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- Contributed By: Curriki Team
This section of the Curriki Help Collection is meant to give new users an understanding of the Resource Repository. It is designed to help newcomers to Curriki understand how content is organized, classified, and monitored by members and Curriki Staff.
The Resource Repository is very flexible, with many options for what types of materials you will find, as well as varied instructional methods. Keep reading this section of the Help Collection to learn more About the Resource Repository.
You may also want to watch the following tutorial videos for a visual overview of the resource repository:
The Resource Repository is very flexible, with many options for what types of materials you will find, as well as varied instructional methods. Keep reading this section of the Help Collection to learn more About the Resource Repository.
You may also want to watch the following tutorial videos for a visual overview of the resource repository:
Any unit of content on Curriki is generally termed a "learning resource." A learning resource can exist in basically any format (created in any other program or created on Curriki), and at basically any scope (small or large).
Some examples of learning resources that people have uploaded into the Curriki repository are:
Uploaded files like the examples listed above are assigned a "File Type" in the Curriki system according to their file extension. The "File Type" setting helps the system to correctly display and support use of the resource. You can see examples of different files being displayed on Curriki by visiting the Sampler collections, such as this one: Sampler of Social Studies for gr6-8/11-13yr.
This piece of content that you are reading right now was a "Simple Wiki Document" that was added into this Curriki Help Collection as part of the content development process, using the "Wiki from 'Scratch'" form. The text you are reading was entered and formatted "from Scratch" to create a learning resource. Because it's a standalone resource, it also has its own title, description, and other specific information settings, which you can review on the Information tab. Individual learning resources can be gathered together into a “collection”. Often users will create groupings of resources or multiple collections that, when used in sequence make up an entire curriculum. Collections have to be populated with content to provide any value. If you create a collection but don't add or create anything inside of it, it's just an empty "container."
You can create a folder inside a collection in order to sub-divide materials in ways that make using them more manageable. For instance, if you create a course collection, you can create several unit folders. Inside each unit folder, you can create a folder for each lesson in that unit. Like collections, folders must be populated with content to provide value. Collections and folders become valuable to the individual or group organizing them when they are populated with individual resources. Please note that the same individual resource can be used in multiple collections; if it's edited in one place, it changes anywhere it appears. (If you "Copy" a resource, you've created a new resource altogether, and editing it will not change the original.) For instance, if Sally uploads a video about cloud formations, then adds it into a collection about the Atmosphere, the resource can be viewed by itself or within the Atmosphere collection. Once Sally shares the collection with her colleagues, Joe might decide the video would also be useful in his collection about Weather. Sally still owns the original resource, but it is now referenced by two different collections.
The dynamic nature of resources used in this way make Curriki’s repository a living tool that is constantly reshaped to suit the needs of each educator. For more information, you may want to watch the Viewing a Resource video tutorial to get a visual introduction to resources on Curriki.
Some examples of learning resources that people have uploaded into the Curriki repository are:
- an instructional video
- a lesson plan written in text
- a recording of a lecture
- an interactive learning exercise designed in Flash
- a Zip archive containing an entire course's reference material
Uploaded files like the examples listed above are assigned a "File Type" in the Curriki system according to their file extension. The "File Type" setting helps the system to correctly display and support use of the resource. You can see examples of different files being displayed on Curriki by visiting the Sampler collections, such as this one: Sampler of Social Studies for gr6-8/11-13yr.
This piece of content that you are reading right now was a "Simple Wiki Document" that was added into this Curriki Help Collection as part of the content development process, using the "Wiki from 'Scratch'" form. The text you are reading was entered and formatted "from Scratch" to create a learning resource. Because it's a standalone resource, it also has its own title, description, and other specific information settings, which you can review on the Information tab. Individual learning resources can be gathered together into a “collection”. Often users will create groupings of resources or multiple collections that, when used in sequence make up an entire curriculum. Collections have to be populated with content to provide any value. If you create a collection but don't add or create anything inside of it, it's just an empty "container."
You can create a folder inside a collection in order to sub-divide materials in ways that make using them more manageable. For instance, if you create a course collection, you can create several unit folders. Inside each unit folder, you can create a folder for each lesson in that unit. Like collections, folders must be populated with content to provide value. Collections and folders become valuable to the individual or group organizing them when they are populated with individual resources. Please note that the same individual resource can be used in multiple collections; if it's edited in one place, it changes anywhere it appears. (If you "Copy" a resource, you've created a new resource altogether, and editing it will not change the original.) For instance, if Sally uploads a video about cloud formations, then adds it into a collection about the Atmosphere, the resource can be viewed by itself or within the Atmosphere collection. Once Sally shares the collection with her colleagues, Joe might decide the video would also be useful in his collection about Weather. Sally still owns the original resource, but it is now referenced by two different collections.
The dynamic nature of resources used in this way make Curriki’s repository a living tool that is constantly reshaped to suit the needs of each educator. For more information, you may want to watch the Viewing a Resource video tutorial to get a visual introduction to resources on Curriki.
"Open Content" describes the growing movement towards making certain creative works widely distributable and redistributable with few or no restrictions on their use and reuse. Similar to the open source movement in software development, the open content movement encourages the creation and sharing of other creative works, such as text, images, video and/or sounds. By allowing relatively unfettered access and rights to such creative works, open content encourages collaboration and rapid development of creative works by the community at large.
"Open Source Curriculum" is a type of open content focusing on materials for use by educators and students. Curriki.org provides a platform for the development and publishing of open source curriculum.
"Open Source Curriculum" is a type of open content focusing on materials for use by educators and students. Curriki.org provides a platform for the development and publishing of open source curriculum.
When a member uploads a learning resource to Curriki.org, or creates a learning resource or a collection, that resource becomes viewable on the site (although consumption may be controlled using the settings under Access Privileges).
Members who find the resource in the site will see it on the "Content" tab. This is referred to as seeing the resource "in View." The resource sits in the body of the page, with navigation and special content panels appearing to the left (including the TOC for the resource), and the main site header and footer appearing above and below the content, respectively.
From the View screen, members can use the function links at the top right of the page body to print the resource, add it to their favorites, or email it to a friend. Members can add comments about a resource using the "Comments" tab. They can also use the function links at the top right of the Content tab to add the resource to their own collections, organize the collection, and build it up with additional resources. If the resource is open to editing (i.e., it has the Access Privilege setting "Public"), members can also choose to "Edit" the resource.
When a member chooses to edit a resource, it is displayed inside a special editing area of the Content Tab. Users will be able to update the content or replace a downloadable file and save changes to their work.
Members who find the resource in the site will see it on the "Content" tab. This is referred to as seeing the resource "in View." The resource sits in the body of the page, with navigation and special content panels appearing to the left (including the TOC for the resource), and the main site header and footer appearing above and below the content, respectively.
From the View screen, members can use the function links at the top right of the page body to print the resource, add it to their favorites, or email it to a friend. Members can add comments about a resource using the "Comments" tab. They can also use the function links at the top right of the Content tab to add the resource to their own collections, organize the collection, and build it up with additional resources. If the resource is open to editing (i.e., it has the Access Privilege setting "Public"), members can also choose to "Edit" the resource.
When a member chooses to edit a resource, it is displayed inside a special editing area of the Content Tab. Users will be able to update the content or replace a downloadable file and save changes to their work.
When you add or create content on Curriki, you are asked to define or accept 11 pieces of information about the resource. Each of these 11 fields are displayed on the Information tab when you are viewing a resource.
In some cases, you will fill in an empty text field, i.e. the title. For the field titled "Rights Holder," the system will automatically insert your registered member name. In other cases, like for subjects, you select from an array of options provided by Curriki.
These 11 pieces of information (and much more information that is automated for each resource by the Curriki system) are used to power multiple aspects of the site, such as ways to:
Required Information
There are five pieces of information that users MUST set for each resource. These required fields are indicated by a red exclamation point (“!”) and include:
The title that you enter when you first create your resource is used to create the URL for the resource, so you may want to keep in mind how long the URL will be when entering your title. (Don’t worry, you can always enter a short title to create the resource, then go back and edit it to be more descriptive without affecting the URL.)
These five pieces of information are the most frequently used to quickly understand the purpose of the resource, and are often displayed in rollovers.
The remaining six fields are either optional or have default values, and include:
For information on best practices in filling out all of these fields, please see the Community Best Practices for Collaborating on Curriki section of the Help Collection.
Default Settings
Certain information has a default programmed in based on the most common usage for that information.
Inheritance Rules
When you are working within a containing resource (a collection or folder), certain settings are "inherited" for your new resource based on the settings used for the "parent". For instance, if you create a Simple Wiki Document inside an existing collection, the following fields will by default display the same information as the parent collection:
You can over-write inherited information settings at any time.
These 11 pieces of information (and much more information that is automated for each resource by the Curriki system) are used to power multiple aspects of the site, such as ways to:
- Search and browse to find the resources you need in the Curriki repository.
- Prioritize and display search results based on search criteria, including filters and sorting mechanisms.
- Control whether others can view or edit your content.
Required Information
There are five pieces of information that users MUST set for each resource. These required fields are indicated by a red exclamation point (“!”) and include:
- Title
- Description
- Subject
- Educational Level
- Instructional Component Type
The title that you enter when you first create your resource is used to create the URL for the resource, so you may want to keep in mind how long the URL will be when entering your title. (Don’t worry, you can always enter a short title to create the resource, then go back and edit it to be more descriptive without affecting the URL.)
These five pieces of information are the most frequently used to quickly understand the purpose of the resource, and are often displayed in rollovers.
The remaining six fields are either optional or have default values, and include:
- Key Words
- Language
- Hide from Search
- Rights Holder
- Access Privileges
- License Deed
For information on best practices in filling out all of these fields, please see the Community Best Practices for Collaborating on Curriki section of the Help Collection.
Default Settings
Certain information has a default programmed in based on the most common usage for that information.
- By default, the License Deed setting will take the current Curriki License (Creative Commons Attribution 3.0) because it provides maximum flexibility to the community, so members can use and modify others' contributions. Additional licenses are available for use if you wish to be more or less restrictive on the content you are adding.
- By default, the Rights Holder field will take the name of the registered member who is creating the resource. If you are posting resources that belong to other people, please enter the rightful copyright owner in this field.
Inheritance Rules
When you are working within a containing resource (a collection or folder), certain settings are "inherited" for your new resource based on the settings used for the "parent". For instance, if you create a Simple Wiki Document inside an existing collection, the following fields will by default display the same information as the parent collection:
- Subject
- Educational Level
- Language
- Access Privilege
- License Deed
You can over-write inherited information settings at any time.
A license describes and limits how intellectual property may be used or reused. The best description of licenses is available directly within the form for creating resources or groups on Curriki. You can also find more information on the Creative Commons website.
Curriki uses the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 license as its default license when a member creates a resource because it provides the most flexibility to the community and allows members to use and modify others’ contributions.
The License Deed that is chosen belongs to the person defined as the Rights Holder. By default Curriki enters the contributing member into the Rights Holder field during resource creation, but if you are uploading the content to Curriki on behalf of another person (for which you must have explicit permission) you should enter that person’s name instead.
Please note that Curriki does not restrict Access Privileges based on the License Deed. Enforcing a license against infringement is entirely up to the Rights Holder.
To cite a resource from Curriki, be sure to credit the Rights Holder, the contributor, and all editors of the content. You should also reference where you got it from on Curriki (i.e., where the current version can be found).
You can find the Rights Holder and License Deed settings on the Information tab for any resource.
Curriki uses the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 license as its default license when a member creates a resource because it provides the most flexibility to the community and allows members to use and modify others’ contributions.
The License Deed that is chosen belongs to the person defined as the Rights Holder. By default Curriki enters the contributing member into the Rights Holder field during resource creation, but if you are uploading the content to Curriki on behalf of another person (for which you must have explicit permission) you should enter that person’s name instead.
Please note that Curriki does not restrict Access Privileges based on the License Deed. Enforcing a license against infringement is entirely up to the Rights Holder.
To cite a resource from Curriki, be sure to credit the Rights Holder, the contributor, and all editors of the content. You should also reference where you got it from on Curriki (i.e., where the current version can be found).
You can find the Rights Holder and License Deed settings on the Information tab for any resource.
Access Privileges determine who can view and edit content in the Curriki repository. Three settings are available, and include Public (the most liberal), Protected, and Private (the most strict).
When you create a new resource, you are asked to review the default access setting. The default setting on Curriki is Public, but if you build up a folder with a different access setting, your resource will by default inherit that same setting. In either case, you may choose to update it as needed.
In addition to the access setting, it's also very important to remember where you are creating the resource. When you create a resource on Curriki, there are several ways to do so. If you are in My Curriki and click "Add a Resource" or "Add a Collection", or if you click "Add a Resource" from the Global Left Nav, that resource will be automatically created in your My Curriki Contributions tab. When you create resources this way and set the access privileges to Private, only you will be able to view and edit the resource.
For groups, there is an alternate method that allows group content to be shared with all group members no matter what Access Privilege has been set. If you are contributing a resource for a group, be sure to first go into the group, then add your resources by Building Up one of the group collections. This way, the resource will appear both in your own My Curriki Contributions listing as well as in the Group's Curriculum listing, and your fellow teachers will have access to view and edit it no matter what access setting you choose.
The table below takes another look at the three Access Privilege settings available and how they are applied when creating a resource as an individual rather than as a group.
You can find and update the Access Privilege setting on the “Information” tab of each resource.
When you create a new resource, you are asked to review the default access setting. The default setting on Curriki is Public, but if you build up a folder with a different access setting, your resource will by default inherit that same setting. In either case, you may choose to update it as needed.
In addition to the access setting, it's also very important to remember where you are creating the resource. When you create a resource on Curriki, there are several ways to do so. If you are in My Curriki and click "Add a Resource" or "Add a Collection", or if you click "Add a Resource" from the Global Left Nav, that resource will be automatically created in your My Curriki Contributions tab. When you create resources this way and set the access privileges to Private, only you will be able to view and edit the resource.
For groups, there is an alternate method that allows group content to be shared with all group members no matter what Access Privilege has been set. If you are contributing a resource for a group, be sure to first go into the group, then add your resources by Building Up one of the group collections. This way, the resource will appear both in your own My Curriki Contributions listing as well as in the Group's Curriculum listing, and your fellow teachers will have access to view and edit it no matter what access setting you choose.
The table below takes another look at the three Access Privilege settings available and how they are applied when creating a resource as an individual rather than as a group.
| Access Privilege | Created as an Individual | Created as a Group |
|---|---|---|
| Public | any member can view and edit the resource | any member can view and edit the resource |
| Protected | only you can edit your resource; any member can still view the resource | you and your fellow group members can edit your resource, but any member can still view it |
| Private | only you can view and edit the resource | you and your group members can view and edit the resource, but no members outside of your group can view it |
Every resource available through Curriki includes an information setting called Instructional Component Type (ICT). This setting helps users identify the pedagogical purpose of the resource.
Please note: Setting an accurate ICT value is strongly encouraged; correct ICT values help other Curriki members find the types of resources they are seeking. Also, the "Technical Completeness" and "Pedagogy" ratings that are part of the Curriki Review System (CRS) depend partially on ICT values.
ICTs are split into the following five overall categories, each of which includes more detailed sub-types:
Activity
Assignment/Homework: An activity given to students to be worked on either in class or at home
Exercise: An activity to be completed by students that does not fit under another Instructional Component Type--an intentionally broad category that may include anything from a single problem to a multi-phase project
Experiment/Lab: An activity wherein students formulate and/or empirically test a hypothesis
(Note: A simulation of an experiment or lab which the student views without interaction would be considered a Resource "Animation/Simulation" under ICT.)
Game: An activity that uses entertainment or competition to learn concepts or practice skills.
Graphic Organizer/Worksheet: A visual representation of information such as a Venn Diagram that provides structure and aids comprehension, showing blank areas for students to complete; a printed assignment on which students write directly
(Note: A fully populated graphic organizer communicating a complete concept would be considered a Resource "Diagram/Illustration" or "Table/Graph/Chart" under ICT.)
Problem Set: A group of problems to be worked out and solved, likely as part of upper-grade math or science classes; usually a group of problems that require multiple steps and/or demand higher-order thinking, rather than simple calculation
Webquest: An activity wherein students use the Internet to look for information or complete a project.
Book
Fiction: Any complete work of fiction, including novels, dramas, short stories, children’s books, and fictional picture books
Nonfiction: Any complete work of nonfiction, in any subject
Readings/Excerpts: Sections of larger texts or complete texts that do not reach book length, such as a speech or paper
Textbook: A book written for instructional use covering a complete area of study
Curriculum
Assessment/Test: A task or series of tasks that measures student achievement of a set of objectives; may include diagnostic, formative, and summative tests or authentic assessments such as portfolios or projects
Full Course: A "full curriculum" offering a complete course of study and constructed from a range of resources that may include a syllabus, scope and sequence, units, lessons, assessments, and more
Lesson Plan: A written guide for teaching certain learning objectives over a specific period of time
Rubric: A tool for evaluating subjective assessments or assignments. Rubrics
include criteria for scoring student work in a consistent and
standardized way. Many rubrics are constructed as charts.
Scope and Sequence: An outline that defines and orders a course’s instructional objectives and delivery
Standards: Expectations of what a student should know and be able to do at the end of a course, usually set by a state administrative body or by an authoritative organization in some area of study
Study Guide/Notes: Study guides and notes are documents created by teachers for
distribution to students. They may be constructed of questions for the
students to fill in, or based on class or lecture notes. They're often
intended to help students prepare for an assessment.
Syllabus: An overview of a course that includes most of the following: course title, introductory paragraph(s), grading policy, assignments, required materials, and calendar/outline
Tutorial: An instructional session using an interactive media type, audio or video, or print that offers an explanation of a topic
Unit: A grouping of lesson plans and materials covering a specific topic or topics, within a specific timeframe
Workbook: A set of student-facing exercises or activities often used for practice or homework
Asset
Animation/Simulation: A visual demonstration of an educational concept that unfolds over time and that may or may not offer an interactive learning opportunity
Examples:
Please note: Setting an accurate ICT value is strongly encouraged; correct ICT values help other Curriki members find the types of resources they are seeking. Also, the "Technical Completeness" and "Pedagogy" ratings that are part of the Curriki Review System (CRS) depend partially on ICT values.
ICTs are split into the following five overall categories, each of which includes more detailed sub-types:
- Activity
- Book
- Curriculum
- Asset
- Other
Activity
Assignment/Homework: An activity given to students to be worked on either in class or at home
Exercise: An activity to be completed by students that does not fit under another Instructional Component Type--an intentionally broad category that may include anything from a single problem to a multi-phase project
Experiment/Lab: An activity wherein students formulate and/or empirically test a hypothesis
(Note: A simulation of an experiment or lab which the student views without interaction would be considered a Resource "Animation/Simulation" under ICT.)
Game: An activity that uses entertainment or competition to learn concepts or practice skills.
Graphic Organizer/Worksheet: A visual representation of information such as a Venn Diagram that provides structure and aids comprehension, showing blank areas for students to complete; a printed assignment on which students write directly
(Note: A fully populated graphic organizer communicating a complete concept would be considered a Resource "Diagram/Illustration" or "Table/Graph/Chart" under ICT.)
Problem Set: A group of problems to be worked out and solved, likely as part of upper-grade math or science classes; usually a group of problems that require multiple steps and/or demand higher-order thinking, rather than simple calculation
Webquest: An activity wherein students use the Internet to look for information or complete a project.
Book
Fiction: Any complete work of fiction, including novels, dramas, short stories, children’s books, and fictional picture books
Nonfiction: Any complete work of nonfiction, in any subject
Readings/Excerpts: Sections of larger texts or complete texts that do not reach book length, such as a speech or paper
Textbook: A book written for instructional use covering a complete area of study
Curriculum
Assessment/Test: A task or series of tasks that measures student achievement of a set of objectives; may include diagnostic, formative, and summative tests or authentic assessments such as portfolios or projects
Full Course: A "full curriculum" offering a complete course of study and constructed from a range of resources that may include a syllabus, scope and sequence, units, lessons, assessments, and more
Lesson Plan: A written guide for teaching certain learning objectives over a specific period of time
Rubric: A tool for evaluating subjective assessments or assignments. Rubrics
include criteria for scoring student work in a consistent and
standardized way. Many rubrics are constructed as charts.
Scope and Sequence: An outline that defines and orders a course’s instructional objectives and delivery
Standards: Expectations of what a student should know and be able to do at the end of a course, usually set by a state administrative body or by an authoritative organization in some area of study
Study Guide/Notes: Study guides and notes are documents created by teachers for
distribution to students. They may be constructed of questions for the
students to fill in, or based on class or lecture notes. They're often
intended to help students prepare for an assessment.
Syllabus: An overview of a course that includes most of the following: course title, introductory paragraph(s), grading policy, assignments, required materials, and calendar/outline
Tutorial: An instructional session using an interactive media type, audio or video, or print that offers an explanation of a topic
Unit: A grouping of lesson plans and materials covering a specific topic or topics, within a specific timeframe
Workbook: A set of student-facing exercises or activities often used for practice or homework
Asset
Animation/Simulation: A visual demonstration of an educational concept that unfolds over time and that may or may not offer an interactive learning opportunity
Examples:
- An animated map might use moving dots and arrows to show the migration of people over time.
- Novels for Fifth Grade
- Genre Studies
- Open Source Poetry Catalog
- 19th Century Maps
Resources are categorized into Media Types and File Types. Media Types represent the type of media used to display the resource, such as audio or video. File Types are determined based on the resource’s file extension. When a file extension is unrecognized, it is labeled "unknown."
For information about which file types are preferred for each media type in order to be most accessible to the majority of users, refer to the Preferred File Formats section of the Help Collection. Here are a few links where you can download free software to help you access materials on Curriki:
You may see several file types that you are unfamiliar with on Curriki, or run across problems trying to access certain types of files. Here are some common file format problems that users have experienced:
Also, please note that there is a maximum file size of 20 MB for any file added into the repository. If you are uploading a large file, you may want to consider using a wired connection (rather than a wireless connection), in order to accelerate the file upload process.
For information about which file types are preferred for each media type in order to be most accessible to the majority of users, refer to the Preferred File Formats section of the Help Collection. Here are a few links where you can download free software to help you access materials on Curriki:
- Adobe Flash Player: http://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/
- Adobe Reader: http://get.adobe.com/reader/
- OpenOffice programs: http://download.openoffice.org/index.html
- QuickTime: http://www.apple.com/quicktime/
You may see several file types that you are unfamiliar with on Curriki, or run across problems trying to access certain types of files. Here are some common file format problems that users have experienced:
- Microsoft Office programs changed the file extension between the 2003 and 2007 versions. If you are trying to view a “.docx”, “.xlsx”, or “.pptx” file with an Office program prior to 2007, you may need to download the document converter first. Download instructions and links to more information are available here: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=941b3470-3ae9-4aee-8f43-c6bb74cd1466&displaylang=en For ideas on how to collaborate on resources with users who have a different version of the software, see the Office Document Version Compatibility section of the Help Collection.
- “.notebook” files designate files from Smart Technology’s Notebook software. For more information, visit the Smart website: http://www2.smarttech.com/st/en-US/Products/SMART+Board+software/default.htm
- “.pub” files are for Microsoft Publisher. If you do not have this software, you can convert the files to PDF for free in order to view them by using this website: https://www.pdfonline.com/convert_pdf.asp
- Apple iLife or iWork products (such as "Pages") often look like a single file when editing them on your computer, but are saved as multiple files. To upload these files to Curriki, make sure to compress them into a zip folder, or save it as a ".doc" or ".pdf" (these options should be available in the "save as" menu), before uploading to Curriki's repository. You may also want to enter the original application as a keyword in the information settings.
Also, please note that there is a maximum file size of 20 MB for any file added into the repository. If you are uploading a large file, you may want to consider using a wired connection (rather than a wireless connection), in order to accelerate the file upload process.
A contributor is a user who adds content into the Curriki resource repository. Many of the resources available were contributed by individual members who found Curriki and started using the site in their daily teaching and planning.
From time to time, Curriki staff engages groups of educators to develop certain types of content in order to fill out the subjects and educational levels available in the repository.
There is also a wealth of material available from Curriki’s Content Partners, who generously share their resources. For details on organizations that have contributed materials, see the Partners page.
You can become a contributor simply by joining Curriki. Register as a member, then start adding your own lesson plans and educational resources, and you will be a part of this initiative to make a global education community.
From time to time, Curriki staff engages groups of educators to develop certain types of content in order to fill out the subjects and educational levels available in the repository.
There is also a wealth of material available from Curriki’s Content Partners, who generously share their resources. For details on organizations that have contributed materials, see the Partners page.
You can become a contributor simply by joining Curriki. Register as a member, then start adding your own lesson plans and educational resources, and you will be a part of this initiative to make a global education community.
Educational content on Curriki receives ongoing review, with the goals of:
The ratings above are displayed prominently when viewing a resource in the main site. A reviewed resource’s Comments tab displays details of the review that explain the rating given. Ratings are also displayed in search results, and users can filter or sort search results by CRS rating.
Rating Sub-Scores For every resource that has been reviewed, the date of its last review is displayed. If the review is recent, it should be very trustworthy. If the review is old, you may want to investigate further. Check the Revision History from the Information tab for that resource. Has the resource been edited since the last review? How many times? For a resource that has changed significantly, the review will be a clue to quality, but you should also examine the resource itself. You may even want to nominate it for a new review. A resource’s overall CRS rating 1-3 is derived from its subscores in three areas:
More information about the criteria used by the reviewers and other details are available in the Curriki Review System Collection. You may also want to watch the video tutorial "What is a Reviewed Resource?"
- Helping members find high quality learning resources within the Curriki database; and
- Helping contributors improve the learning resources that they are building
- File Check: A Curriki staff member is responsible for reviewing the site and deleting any content that is patently offensive, harmful (viruses), not educationally focused, or otherwise objectionable (vandalism).
- Member Comments: Curriki members may post comments on any public learning resource they access on the site.
- Curriki Review System (CRS): Learning resources are reviewed and rated by expert staff members and trained volunteers on grounds of completeness, accuracy, and pedagogy. The remainder of this section details the Curriki Review System.
| Icon | Term | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| -- | Not Rated/Not Rateable | A learning resource that has not yet been rated or that cannot be rated (e.g. an image that is part of a larger, composite resource and is too small to be rated by itself) |
 | Basic | A resource that requires a significant amount of cleanup or expansion to be used for teaching and learning |
 | Good | A resource that will be immediately useful to teachers and learners, but which has gaps or lacks polish |
 | Exemplary | A complete and highly polished resource of publishable quality that uses best practices in instructional design |
 | Partner | High-quality content provided by partner organizations |
Rating Sub-Scores For every resource that has been reviewed, the date of its last review is displayed. If the review is recent, it should be very trustworthy. If the review is old, you may want to investigate further. Check the Revision History from the Information tab for that resource. Has the resource been edited since the last review? How many times? For a resource that has changed significantly, the review will be a clue to quality, but you should also examine the resource itself. You may even want to nominate it for a new review. A resource’s overall CRS rating 1-3 is derived from its subscores in three areas:
- Technical Completeness – Are all necessary parts of the resource provided? Are activities fully and clearly explained? Has adequate metadata been applied (educational level, subject, ICT, etc.)?
- Content Accuracy – Is the subject matter presented consistent with expert consensus in the field? Does a spot-check reveal any errors in assessment items or answer keys?
- Appropriate Pedagogy – Are the learning activities well-chosen for the stated objectives, subject, and educational level? Does the learning resource use appropriate vocabulary and sequencing, clear explanations, and recognized best practices in instructional design? Are assessments carefully aligned to objectives and learning activities?
Reviewers
In each of the four core subject areas, Curriki has hired a master teacher or instructional designer to serve as Lead Reviewer. They conduct reviews as well as organize the work of volunteer reviewers, who are being recruited from pools of experienced teachers, curriculum developers, and teacher educators. Curriki is always seeking volunteer reviewers. If you would like to join the effort, email review@curriki.org and tell us about your relevant interest and your area of expertise.Process
All members of Curriki can nominate resources for review—sometimes because they are suspect or worthy of recognition, other times because they have changed significantly since their last review. Reviewers in each subject work through a queue of nominated resources, usually in the order in which they were nominated. When a resource has been nominated, but not yet reviewed, the 'Nominate' link are replaced with the words 'Review Pending.' When the queue is empty, Curriki reviewers browse the site for resources to review. For each resource, reviewers submit both a numerical rating and textual feedback.More information about the criteria used by the reviewers and other details are available in the Curriki Review System Collection. You may also want to watch the video tutorial "What is a Reviewed Resource?"
Curriki undertakes a basic file check for every resource when it is first contributed to the resource repository. The purpose of basic file checking is to ensure the baseline appropriateness of every resource in the Curriki repository for access and use by an educational audience. This is a manual, editorial process that takes place after publication of the content in the Curriki system.
This check deals with assets in the repository that are patently offensive, harmful (viruses), not educationally focused, or otherwise objectionable (vandalism). File Check is separate from the CRS process, which undertakes to judge curricular content based on criteria relating to instructional design and content accuracy. CRS judges quality and value for instruction, while file check judges basic suitability for Curriki's repository.
Basic File Check Standards
A resource is given a File Check Status other than OK if:
In addition, resources may be marked for special review if:
Although the File Check status is not displayed to most members, any resource that is not deemed OK is hidden from the user base until the issue is resolved.
Members who contribute content that does not appear to offer value in the educational arena will be contacted regarding their contributions. Please see Curriki's Terms of Use for more information about contributing content on Curriki.
What File Check does NOT do:
The Flag function enables community members to bring to Curriki’s attention any resources which may be inappropriate. For information on best practices for using this function, please see the Flagging section of the Help Collection.
This check deals with assets in the repository that are patently offensive, harmful (viruses), not educationally focused, or otherwise objectionable (vandalism). File Check is separate from the CRS process, which undertakes to judge curricular content based on criteria relating to instructional design and content accuracy. CRS judges quality and value for instruction, while file check judges basic suitability for Curriki's repository.
Basic File Check Standards
A resource is given a File Check Status other than OK if:
- It is clearly objectionable (porn, hate, vandalism, etc.).
- It is a link to a commercial web site where no free educational resource is clearly available on the entry page.
- It is not educational content, and it is not contextualized (i.e., used within a lesson) to make it educationally useful.
- It is a broken link or file.
- It breaks the display or functionality of the Curriki.org site, or is an attachment that has a virus.
- It shows incomplete content (aka the “empty template” syndrome).
In addition, resources may be marked for special review if:
- It is a Zip file attachment in which case it may need technical review.
- It appears that it might be copyrighted content, not cited appropriately, or not provided by the copyright holder, and requires editorial review.
Although the File Check status is not displayed to most members, any resource that is not deemed OK is hidden from the user base until the issue is resolved.
Members who contribute content that does not appear to offer value in the educational arena will be contacted regarding their contributions. Please see Curriki's Terms of Use for more information about contributing content on Curriki.
What File Check does NOT do:
- The File Check process does not automate the identification of excellent resources or contributors that should be considered for featuring on the site.
- The basic file check does not address resources that have been updated; it only addresses resources that have been created or added to the repository. Curriki will depend on the CRS process and “Flagging” functionality to capture and react to inappropriate content that members input upon editing/updating a resource.
- The File Check process does not check resources that have an Access Privilege of “Private”. These resources are considered to be in draft format, and therefore most likely they represent sample content or works in progress.
- The File Check process does not check resources in languages other than English. Curriki hopes that speakers of other languages will use the "Flagging" functionality to capture and react to any issues with this content.
The Flag function enables community members to bring to Curriki’s attention any resources which may be inappropriate. For information on best practices for using this function, please see the Flagging section of the Help Collection.
If you follow a link to a resource and receive an error message, you may have tried to access a resource that is missing or no longer available.
If you get this message, the resource’s Access Privileges have probably been updated to Private since the last time you viewed the resource, which means only the original contributor or group may view the resource.
If you receive this message, most likely the resource has been removed from the repository since the last time you viewed the resource.
If someone sent you a link that displays one of these messages, ask them to check that the link works for them. You may also need to request that they update the Access Privileges so that other members (like you) may view the resource.
If you get this message, the resource’s Access Privileges have probably been updated to Private since the last time you viewed the resource, which means only the original contributor or group may view the resource.
If you receive this message, most likely the resource has been removed from the repository since the last time you viewed the resource.
If someone sent you a link that displays one of these messages, ask them to check that the link works for them. You may also need to request that they update the Access Privileges so that other members (like you) may view the resource.
Some resources added to Curriki are specifically designed to be Student-facing—intended for use directly by students instead of by teachers. Examples might include project ideas, exercise sheets, or other study materials.
Contributors are encouraged to add either “Teacher-facing” or “Student-facing” to the key words for these type of resources. By doing this, users who are looking for these type of materials can easily find them by typing the same keyword into the Search Terms box.
Contributors are encouraged to add either “Teacher-facing” or “Student-facing” to the key words for these type of resources. By doing this, users who are looking for these type of materials can easily find them by typing the same keyword into the Search Terms box.
